Joshua Davis is a New York Times bestselling author and award winning journalist. He has covered wars in Iraq, Libya and Colombia and conducted interviews inside jails on multiple continents. Davis was nominated for a National Magazine Award in feature writing for his profile of John McAfee’s descent into madness in the jungle of Belize. His work has been featured multiple times in the Best American Science writing and he has published over 40 investigative articles for The New Yorker, Wired, and GQ.
In 2015, Davis co-founded Epic Magazine, which tracks down the world’s most amazing true stories. Epic was acquired by Vox Media in 2019. Davis is an executive producer of Epic’s critically acclaimed AppleTV+ show Little America, which highlights the immigrant experience in the United States. Davis’ work as a film and tv producer also includes the adaptation of his book Spare Parts, which became the Lionsgate film starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Marisa Tomei and Geroge Lopez. Davis’ memoir, “The Underdog,” was published by Random House and chronicles his earlier experiences as a matador and sumo wrestler.
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 SPARE PARTSFour Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream
FSG Originals
Joshua Davis's Spare Parts is a story about overcoming insurmountable odds and four young men who proved they were among the most patriotic and talented Americans in this country—even as the country tried to kick them out. |
Corporate Storytelling
Josh is a master storyteller. His work has been selected "Best of Technology Writing" three times, and he's received a nomination for feature writing for the National Magazine Awards. He's also helped sell 22 journalism articles to Hollywood, one of which was the basis for the Academy Award-winning film Argo.
Inspirational Stories Whether it's chronicling the careers of sauna-ers, arm wrestlers, and other bizarre athletes, or revealing how a group of undocumented Mexican Americans beat the odds to win a robot-building contest, Josh is a master of the underdog tale. In addition to relaying the stories of some of his subjects, he reveals some of the personal obstacles he's had to overcome.
Inspirational Stories Whether it's chronicling the careers of sauna-ers, arm wrestlers, and other bizarre athletes, or revealing how a group of undocumented Mexican Americans beat the odds to win a robot-building contest, Josh is a master of the underdog tale. In addition to relaying the stories of some of his subjects, he reveals some of the personal obstacles he's had to overcome.
Read a New York Times article about Joshua Davis’ writing. Read the Washington Post’s review of Spare Parts. Check out Joshua Davis’ website, twitter, and Facebook.
"Joshua Davis was the most gracious author I have ever hosted! He was so kind and heartwarming. He ended up doing book signings every event we had. The students, staff and community really enjoyed his presentations!"
- Linda Herrera, Salem Library
"It's amazing when a presenter can captivate an entire auditorium of students, based simply on spectacular storytelling skills - no games, gimmicks, or videos. Joshua Davis connected with the audience by demonstrating deep empathy and understanding of the difficulties and hardships many students face, so much so that the entire audience broke out in to applause several times without cue. He inspires all of us, even those with seemingly little hope, to step out of our comfort zones and take chances."
- Michael Vossen, Teacher at Menlo-Atherton High School
"Josh Davis was one of the best speakers we have ever had. He was dry and self-effacing but pointed in his commentary regarding both his career and his subjects.He raised great questions regarding our immigration and education policies. I particularly enjoyed his politically incorrect comments regarding the stultifying nature of remedial English and Math. The "Spare Parts" story also challenged the issue of how to tap into the potential of our undocumented immigrants and our neighbors in border and near border nations. Definitely a challenge for the 21st century."
- Patrick Maier, Teacher at Menlo-Atherton High School
"I thought his talk was fun and informative. He showed the students that you can major in one area and go into a different field and you can grow from your life experiences. He explained how taking risks (with the arm wrestling contest) led him to a career in journalism. He also broke down the stereotypes some students might have about undocumented students and what happens to those students after they leave high school and go into the world. Due to our laws and other factors, some of the students they beat in the competition are now successful professionals making a lot of money, whereas the heroes in the book have had to struggle a lot more. It sparked thinking about the immigration debate."
- Francine Andrade, Guidance Counselor at Menlo-Atherton High School
"Josh hit it out of the ballpark. His kindness and attentiveness to our students made a huge impression, and his wonderful talk was a huge hit. He connected with everyone around him and I received great feedback from so many people. He made the day--and his work--unforgettable."
- Hood College
“We are so grateful for Josh’s visit to St. Luke's. What a huge impression he made on our community. The students are still talking about it. And not just the arm-wrestling! I think the best part of his visit was the way that je modeled for our community a passion for learning and discovery.”
- St. Luke's School
“Joshua was so interactive with the students, and many faculty commented on the how much they enjoyed his presentation.”
- Norwalk Community College
“Josh is a road warrior and a showman in addition to being a gifted writer.”
- Mount Vernon City Library
- Linda Herrera, Salem Library
"It's amazing when a presenter can captivate an entire auditorium of students, based simply on spectacular storytelling skills - no games, gimmicks, or videos. Joshua Davis connected with the audience by demonstrating deep empathy and understanding of the difficulties and hardships many students face, so much so that the entire audience broke out in to applause several times without cue. He inspires all of us, even those with seemingly little hope, to step out of our comfort zones and take chances."
- Michael Vossen, Teacher at Menlo-Atherton High School
"Josh Davis was one of the best speakers we have ever had. He was dry and self-effacing but pointed in his commentary regarding both his career and his subjects.He raised great questions regarding our immigration and education policies. I particularly enjoyed his politically incorrect comments regarding the stultifying nature of remedial English and Math. The "Spare Parts" story also challenged the issue of how to tap into the potential of our undocumented immigrants and our neighbors in border and near border nations. Definitely a challenge for the 21st century."
- Patrick Maier, Teacher at Menlo-Atherton High School
"I thought his talk was fun and informative. He showed the students that you can major in one area and go into a different field and you can grow from your life experiences. He explained how taking risks (with the arm wrestling contest) led him to a career in journalism. He also broke down the stereotypes some students might have about undocumented students and what happens to those students after they leave high school and go into the world. Due to our laws and other factors, some of the students they beat in the competition are now successful professionals making a lot of money, whereas the heroes in the book have had to struggle a lot more. It sparked thinking about the immigration debate."
- Francine Andrade, Guidance Counselor at Menlo-Atherton High School
"Josh hit it out of the ballpark. His kindness and attentiveness to our students made a huge impression, and his wonderful talk was a huge hit. He connected with everyone around him and I received great feedback from so many people. He made the day--and his work--unforgettable."
- Hood College
“We are so grateful for Josh’s visit to St. Luke's. What a huge impression he made on our community. The students are still talking about it. And not just the arm-wrestling! I think the best part of his visit was the way that je modeled for our community a passion for learning and discovery.”
- St. Luke's School
“Joshua was so interactive with the students, and many faculty commented on the how much they enjoyed his presentation.”
- Norwalk Community College
“Josh is a road warrior and a showman in addition to being a gifted writer.”
- Mount Vernon City Library